TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences after a shotgun was discovered in Moreton.

The gun was found in an outbuilding on Chapelhill Road at about 8.40am on Monday.

Local officers attended as part of a wider investigation led by the force's anti-gun and gang crime unit, Matrix Serious Organised Crime, and seized a shotgun which was taken away for testing.

A 24-year-old man from Moreton and an 18-year-old man from Seacombe were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

Both men are currently being interviewed by detectives at police stations in Merseyside.

Detective Inspector Richie Jones, from Matrix Serious Organised Crime unit, said: “Yesterday’s activity has been a great success and comes as a result of local officers working side by side with detectives from Matrix Serious Organised Crime to take firearms off the streets of Wirral.

“I hope the seizure of this weapon reaffirms to the local community that we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime and we are carrying out this type of activity day in day out.

"Theis firearm has now been taken out of circulation and can no longer be used on our streets.”

Anyone with any information about gun crime in their area should call 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.